The urban plan for Botanic Revive – The Phyto Park is a visionary project based on a detailed analysis of sea level rise impacts on the British coastline. This study addresses the challenges posed by rising sea levels, focusing on the negative effects on natural ecosystems and human communities.
In response, the plan incorporates adaptive strategies to mitigate these effects and enhance coastal resilience and sustainability. A central feature is phytoremediation—using plants to absorb and remove environmental contaminants. This technique is crucial to The Phyto Park's design, serving as a protective buffer against coastal erosion and as a regenerative landscape.
The Phyto Park is conceived as a dynamic system where selected plants stabilize soil, purify water, and restore biodiversity. These plants remediate polluted soils and water bodies, improving environmental health and providing a sustainable response to sea level rise. The park’s design blends natural and engineered elements, creating habitats resilient to climate change.
Botanic Revive is more than an environmental response—it reimagines how urban spaces can coexist with and support natural systems. By prioritizing ecological health, community resilience, and phytoremediation, this plan sets a new standard for sustainable urban development in the face of climate change, demonstrating how nature-based solutions can build resilient communities for the future.
Integrating Nature-Based Solutions in Coastal Urban Planning
The image is a conceptual response land based pollutants entering the waterways
"City, Land & Sea" is a forward-looking project set in the year 2054, envisioning a 30-year trajectory from the initial strategic proposal. The project confronts the critical challenge of sea level rise, translating this pressing issue into a vivid and tangible reality. The initial brief was intentionally broad, offering a flexible framework that encourages unique, individualized responses to this complex urban and environmental challenge.
My approach to addressing sea level rise emerged from a cycling journey that began at Plym Head and followed the river to its mouth. Along this route, I observed a distinct brownish-orange hue in the water, which became the catalyst for my investigation. Upon investigating the source of the water discoloration, I discovered that it stemmed from iron oxide deposits, known as Acid Mine Drainage. The water contained fine orange particles composed of iron, oxygen, and hydrogen. These particles formed through chemical reactions between the water, dissolved oxygen, and iron sulphide rock.
Flash flooding in Plymouth composition As sea levels continue to rise, the frequency and intensity of flash flooding in urban areas are expected to increase significantly. Coastal cities, in particular, will experience greater vulnerability as higher sea levels exacerbate the effects of heavy rainfall and storm surges. Urban infrastructure, often not designed to cope with these heightened water levels, will struggle to manage the influx, leading to more frequent and severe flash floods. This increased flooding will pose serious challenges to public safety, transportation, housing, and local economies, necessitating urgent adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect these densely populated areas.
The project has completed an extensive exploration of the River Plym, successfully identifying key opportunities for a thorough study of the area. This investigation went beyond mere observation, incorporating a detailed analysis of the surrounding landscape to better understand the broader environmental dynamics at play. The research provided deep insights into the intricate relationships between the river and its environment, establishing a solid foundation for understanding the region's ecological and climatic interactions. A significant part of the project involved assessing the potential impacts of rising sea levels on the River Plym and its surrounding areas. With global climate patterns shifting, the imminent threat of sea level rise was a central concern, particularly for coastal regions. Advanced modeling and data analysis techniques were employed to pinpoint the most vulnerable zones around the river. This process highlighted the areas in greatest need of attention and strategic planning, ensuring that the most at-risk regions were identified for resilience-building efforts.
In addition to mapping flood-prone areas, the project explored the effects of sea level rise on the river's water quality. The study revealed the complex interplay between rising sea levels and factors such as salinity intrusion, pollution dispersal, and the health of aquatic ecosystems. These findings have provided a comprehensive understanding of how sea level rise could alter the river's ecological balance and impact the communities and wildlife dependent on it. The results will guide the development of sustainable and resilient urban strategies, contributing to broader discussions on climate resilience and offering a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
Unveiling the future generations perspective on sea level rise
Reflections of Plymouth: A Collage of Stories and Challenges formed from the children's images
In the workshops that took place, we collaborated with students in Year 3 and 4 at Holy Cross Primary School in Plymouth, who were approximately 8 to 9 years old. Our primary goal was to engage in meaningful discussions about current realities, future possibilities, and the hidden traces of the past within their memories. Through a series of interactive activities and games, we assisted the students in crafting both written and visual narratives. To facilitate their creative work, we provided a set of predetermined questions designed to elicit their thoughts on how they perceived their city, the surrounding land, and the vast sea at that time. Furthermore, we explored the challenges they foresaw in the future and, when time permitted, brainstormed potential solutions to address those challenges.
Distant thinking: A Collage of thinking about climate change
The River Plym's history has significantly influenced its pollution levels over time. In ancient and medieval periods, the river primarily served as a trade route and a source of power for water mills, with relatively minimal impact on its water quality. However, the arrival of industrial development in the 19th century marked a turning point, introducing substantial pollution to the river. Factories and mills along the riverbanks discharged waste directly into the water, leading to increased contamination and environmental degradation.
The industrial era's pollution had lasting effects, resulting in long-term challenges for water quality and ecosystem health. Despite the river's historical significance as a transportation hub and departure point for historic voyages, the environmental toll from industrial activities became evident. Efforts to address these issues and improve the river's condition have been ongoing, with contemporary initiatives focusing on restoring water quality and managing pollution sources.
Today, while the River Plym remains a key feature of the region, supporting recreational activities and wildlife habitats, it continues to contend with the legacy of past pollution. The river's enduring significance highlights the importance of ongoing environmental management and restoration efforts to preserve its health and ensure its continued role as a vital natural resource.
Factories to fields : a conceptual representation of the river Plym from its mouth to its head
Unobtainable waterfront Accessibility in Britain’s Ocean City
During the workshops and interactions with students, it became evident that, despite residing in a city branded as Britain's Ocean City and living in close proximity to the waterfront, many individuals found the water to be largely inaccessible. This disconnect highlighted a significant issue in urban design and planning, where the potential for waterfront access and engagement remains underutilized.
(Heavy metal analysis, Andrew Turner, University of Plymouth, 2015)
Undercurrents of contamination : a conceptual representation of the heavy metal contamination in the river Plym
Heavy metal infiltration disrupts river ecosystems, causing biodiversity decline and compromising water quality for both aquatic life and humans. Elevated metal levels threaten freshwater integrity, raising health concerns through bioaccumulation. Metal-contaminated irrigation jeopardizes agriculture, impacting soil and food safety. Altered sediment dynamics affect nutrient transport in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Persistent metal presence poses a chronic threat with economic repercussions for communities relying on affected rivers. Urgent understanding, monitoring, and mitigation efforts are vital for environmental preservation and human well-being, emphasizing effective regulation, remediation, and sustainable freshwater management.
Implementing phytotransformation techniques within urban environments represents a sophisticated and natural approach to addressing the problem of contaminants in both soil and water. This method harnesses the inherent capabilities of specific plant species to absorb, accumulate, and neutralize pollutants, thereby playing a crucial role in improving environmental quality. For the industrial zone in Cattedown, a meticulous selection process has identified eight particular plant varieties that are well-suited for this task. These plants have been chosen for their proven ability to target and remove a diverse array of contaminants. Collectively, these eight species can absorb and detoxify 15 different potentially harmful chemical elements that are frequently found in the contaminated soil and water of this area.
The integration of these plant species into the urban landscape of Cattedown is more than just a temporary fix; it represents a strategic and sustainable solution to pollution. By actively incorporating these plants into remediation efforts, the initiative aims to substantially lower pollution levels, thereby enhancing the quality of both soil and water. Additionally, this approach helps to restore ecological balance, promote biodiversity, and contribute to the overall health of the urban environment. Beyond addressing immediate contamination issues, the use of phytotransformation offers long-term benefits by improving environmental resilience and supporting sustainable urban development. This green intervention not only targets pollution but also fosters a healthier and more vibrant community.
Phytoremediation to remediate the contamination
At the Cattedown industrial area, sunflowers have been effectively utilized in the phytoremediation process to address soil and water contamination. Phytoremediation uses plants to remove pollutants from the environment, and sunflowers are particularly effective due to their ability to absorb heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. Their deep root systems enable them to extract contaminants from deeper soil layers.
This approach not only helps reduce soil pollution but also supports ecological restoration. By harvesting the sunflowers, which have accumulated the pollutants, the contaminants are safely removed from the environment. This process contributes to cleaning up the area and enhancing its environmental quality.
Botanic revive: Initial response to the inquiry
Industrial park life: Conceptual response
Initial strategic response
This transformative endeavor not only turns the former industrial area into an open public realm but also establishes a serene sanctuary amidst the bustling urban environment. By intelligently utilizing the existing spatial infrastructure, it not only enhances the aesthetics but also opens up unhindered access to the water within a space that was previously restricted. Beyond mere urban rejuvenation, this initiative goes a step further, fostering educational opportunities by fostering a profound connection with nature. Embracing the outdoors becomes a central theme, providing a dynamic platform for learning and exploration, where individuals can immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and gain a deeper understanding of the environment. In essence, this project not only reshapes the physical landscape but also cultivates a holistic and educational experience for the community, promoting a sustainable and harmonious relationship between urban development and the natural world. In embracing sustainable practices through Phyto transformation, our objective is twofold: first, to conscientiously tackle the environmental challenges inherited from the industrial history of the field of operation, and second, to actively nurture a robust community bond with the site. This holistic approach goes beyond mere ecological remediation; it involves the integration of nature-based solutions to restore and revitalize the ecosystem. The implementation of Phyto transformation not only contributes to environmental healing by utilizing plant-based mechanisms but also serves as an educational platform, engaging the community in the restoration process. Simultaneously, our emphasis on cultivating a strong community bond is a strategic endeavor to weave the site into the fabric of people's lives. Through collaborative efforts, communal participation, and shared experiences, we aspire to establish a connection that transcends time. This symbiotic relationship with the community is not merely a present-day engagement; it is an investment in a shared and prolonged future. By fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship, we aim to create a sustainable legacy that echoes through generations, ensuring the enduring health and vitality of both the environment and the community.
2054 timeline of how the strategic propulsion could manifest